NORWICH City Manager Paul Lambert hopes that the arrival of new signing Jonny Howson from Leeds United will give the squad a boost ahead of Saturday's FA Cup Fourth Round clash.

The Canaries lock horns with Roy Hodgson's West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns for the second time in two weeks, with a spot in Sunday's FA Cup Fifth Round draw the reward for the winners.

Howson is currently side-lined with a knee injury and so won't be involved against the Baggies, but Lambert is hopeful the 23-year-old can have a big part to play this season.

"I'm delighted," said Lambert. "I think him coming in will give everybody a lift.

"He's an established player which is great. He has played in a lot of big games and handled the crowd at Leeds, which is a huge football club with a terrific fan base.

"I just think he'll perform for us and I think he'll add to the team."

Lambert was handed another boost in the build-up to the FA Cup clash, with the news that James Vaughan, Elliott Ward, and Marc Tierney all came through 60 minutes of Tuesday's reserve game against Chelsea unscathed.

Lambert added: "They came through it fine after not playing for four or five months, which is a long time.

"Vaughany [James Vaughan] coming back will be great, like a new player.

"Wardy [Elliott Ward] coming back too will be great too, he played a huge part for us last year so they are two big players for us.

"They need to push on now themselves to get back in the team and back in the squad.

"The big thing now for me is to get them back and if I throw them in I know they won't let me down."

Having already beaten the Baggies at The Hawthorns a fortnight ago 2-1, Lambert feels the FA Cup tie may well have a different feel to it.

He added: "It's a cup game so there will be a bit more freedom, because there's not as much pressure on as in the league.

"I don't want a replay. Whatever team I pick will go and try to win the game.

"I think Roy Hodgson is a brilliant manager with a good side, and this will be a hard game."